An interesting blog by travel ace Peter Greenberg asks some sharp questions about environmental practices at hotels and resorts. Terms like "green travel" get thrown around a lot; but we need to see the travel industry walk more of the walk.
Personally -- living in a small community that's hypersensitive about "sustainable" -- I hate to toss newspapers or soda cans into the wastebasket, but most hotels provide no option. (I've actually carried recycables home in my luggage. Literally.)
In the past year, recycling bins have appeared in many airports and public spaces. So what about theme parks and hotels and resorts?
There's a extra disconnect for family travelers, when kids learn about recycling in school, then go on vacation and bottles, cans, etc. get tossed out.
As Mr. Greenberg says, it's not enough for a hotel to just put a little sign in the bathroom saying, "We can help save the environment by not washing your sheets and towels every day." (Which saves the hotel money, anyway.)
We need to see more recycling bins in guest rooms; energy-saving shut-off of air-conditioning or heat, when rooms are empty; solar panels; re-usable water bottles...
The luxury chain Fairmont Hotels -- with a "green team" at every property -- gets kudos, and so do several resorts with innovative projects. Read the full article -- and next time you're at a resort that's throwing stuff out like it's 1956, ask the management (nicely) where the recycling's at.
Personally -- living in a small community that's hypersensitive about "sustainable" -- I hate to toss newspapers or soda cans into the wastebasket, but most hotels provide no option. (I've actually carried recycables home in my luggage. Literally.)
In the past year, recycling bins have appeared in many airports and public spaces. So what about theme parks and hotels and resorts?
There's a extra disconnect for family travelers, when kids learn about recycling in school, then go on vacation and bottles, cans, etc. get tossed out.
As Mr. Greenberg says, it's not enough for a hotel to just put a little sign in the bathroom saying, "We can help save the environment by not washing your sheets and towels every day." (Which saves the hotel money, anyway.)
We need to see more recycling bins in guest rooms; energy-saving shut-off of air-conditioning or heat, when rooms are empty; solar panels; re-usable water bottles...
The luxury chain Fairmont Hotels -- with a "green team" at every property -- gets kudos, and so do several resorts with innovative projects. Read the full article -- and next time you're at a resort that's throwing stuff out like it's 1956, ask the management (nicely) where the recycling's at.
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